ATSC Tuners In HDTVs (see Samsung Poll) - Page 3 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

stampeder · 2006-01-23, 12:16 PM

Here's a great article about the latest 6th Generation ATSC Chip news over at TVTechnology.com. They also make some very flattering mention of Canada's Communications Research Center (CRC) labs in Ottawa:

Quote:

When asked why chip vendors take their technology to Canada, Citta explained that CRC is a very high-quality laboratory, funded by the Canadian government, which can test products with total objectivity.

http://www.tvtechnology.com/features...ors_chip.shtml

john69 · 2006-01-27, 11:38 PM

Hi,
I'm confused about the different support for ATSC and NTSC tuner specs.
I live in Vancouver BC Canada and we are "late adopters" in terms of broadcasting companies. Currently, afaik, only CTV is broadcasting ATSC HDTV. I have a single antenna and I need a tuner that accept both NTSC and ATSC and scale appropriately depending on the signal. For instance, the Samsung SIR-T165 mentions ATSC/NTSC as inputs, does that mean it they are separate inputs? The SIR-451 model does not mention NTSC on the samsung site:
http://www.samsung.com/Products/Digi...pecifications#
but I have heard that it does.

Bassically, I need a scaler that will tune into both NTSC and ATSC, what are my options?

Thank you very much!

jft436 · 2006-01-28, 10:42 AM

I read you request and I am not quite sure this is the specific answer to your question.
Most people receive their HD signal from Expresvu, Star Choice, or cable in all instances you required a special digital receiver which is supplied or bought from the provider.
Many of the new TV have a built in ATSC tuner that will receive OTA signal HD and encode them.
I do not know what OTA signals are avaialble in Vancouver BC but it would be advisable to a google search for your area OTA HD to see what stations broadcast in HD.

Many of the stations here in Toronto where on cable and sattelite with their HD signal and not providing an ota signal. This is now fixed and the major canadain providers provide OTA
Getting American channels you may be limited by signal strength/

On the back of the newer HD sets you connect the HD signal into a port that accepts HD signal only
This could be done by color component Super video or by the newer HDMI connect.The HDMI cables sell for $100.00 or more at the present time.

You need a HD tv set to receive a HD signal the newer ones are sold with build in ATSC tunes. To me this would be the better way to go than purchasing a seperate tuner.

Sam · 2006-01-28, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jft436

Many of the stations here in Toronto where on cable and sattelite with their HD signal and not providing an ota signal. This is now fixed and the major canadain providers provide OTA

Hi jft,

Could you elaborate on your statements I quoted? Im interested in OTA myself. Thanks.

57 · 2006-01-28, 01:42 PM

Maybe you should look in the OTA forums then.

stampeder · 2006-01-30, 11:40 PM

The information you folks need is available in abundance here in the OTA Forum. You'll also find clarifications/corrections on the points you've discussed.

Kevin S · 2006-01-31, 07:42 PM

I think its great, and probably THE main reason I picked the TV I did. As ironic as it may sound (having just bought an HDTV), I do not watch a lot of TV. I cancelled my cable months ago because I was paying $50/mo for nothing. I haven't missed it. Since I bought this TV, I installed an antenna on the deck and get about 20 channels OTA (including a few that are off of my disconnected cable), which is ALL the major networks. $140 inventment in antenna etc, and I now have free TV - and as mentioned, only more channels will be added over time. I very breifly considered satellite and digital cable, but I am glad I went this route and saved the $75/mo

Kevin S · 2006-01-31, 08:28 PM

I have read the definitions in the FAQ, but they don't explain the differences...

What do NTSC and QAM do that ATSC does not? My Hitachi has an ATSC tuner built in, and a cable card slot (not yet available here in Canada though). Is the Cable card slot the QAM tuner? I get all my local channels through my ATSC tuner - what would NTSC do?

stampeder · 2006-01-31, 08:51 PM

NTSC = original analog North American OTA TV broadcasting standard, 480 interlaced visual lines, will be phased out within the next 10 years

ATSC = digital OTA TV broadcasting standard, invented in late 1990s, capable of delivering either 480 progressive, 720 progressive, or 1080 interlaced visual lines with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio

QAM = digital Cable TV broadcasting standard with capabilities similar to ATSC

Your NTSC tuner will get you all the analog stations your antenna can pull in. Your ATSC tuner will get you all the digital stations your antenna can pull in. It remains to be seen what becomes of Cable Card technology in Canada if you are a cable subscriber.

Kevin S · 2006-01-31, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the info! I gathered that QAM was for cable, but was unsure on the difference of the other two. So NTSC is obviously what TVs have come with for the last 50 years (surprised they didn't just call it DTSC rather than ATSC). I guess I have both QAM and ATSC in my 42HDT52. If the cable card technology ever evolves here, I would be interested in using that...

morkys · 2006-01-31, 09:52 PM

Hey folks. What is the easiest and fastest way to HDTV OTA for me? Any suggestions for receivers? ATSC or NTSC (what?)

Also, do I need an antenna on my roof? I know every area is different, but what do you figure my options are? I am in the burbs of Ajax.

thanx

P.S. Not likely I can get it setup for Sunday Superbowl?

57 · 2006-01-31, 10:18 PM

See also the Digital Home FAQ "Can I get Digital Cable"

Kevin S · 2006-01-31, 10:24 PM

Thanks 57 - out of luck for now as you posted there, but hopefully it will catch on in the future here.

Kevin S · 2006-01-31, 11:26 PM

If you TV doesn't have a built in ATSC tuner you will need to buy one. Sure you can get it set up before SB - I did mine in a matter of a couple hours last weekend. I mounted it on a 20' mast off my deck since I didn't want to poke holes in the roof. Cost me about $140 total for 75' RG6 cable, UHF antenna, 2x10' masts. My TV has a built in tuner so I didn't have to buy that. With your location you may be out of luck for much OTA reception without a very good antenna. WKBW (SB carrier) may be near impossible from that range, but others can advise further. Here is a map of the local digital broadcasting stations:

http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/bigmap.htm

You can use indoor or attic mounted antennas, but from what I have read here it will kill half your reception.

I am sure others can give more info, but hope this helps a bit.

morkys · 2006-02-01, 12:42 PM

Thanx for the info. Bummer. I will look into it a little bit further.

According to the map, I am less than 25 miles (<40 KM) from the CN Tower transmitter. Perhaps it is worth a try. Its a lot of trouble to go through though.

Any advice in terms of what equipment I would need and from where? I have a projector that is HD, but no tuner, no receiver, and no antenna! (yet...lol)

P.S. I have not even checked with the costs for Rogers Digital Cable/HDTV to know the difference, so perhaps I will look into that too.

View Poll Results: Samsung Owners: DTV tuner abnormal PSIP data quality?
Never have any problems	38	40.43%
Occasional problems with certain stations	25	26.60%
Frequent problems with certain stations	30	31.91%
Frequent problems with all stations	1	1.06%
Voters: 94. You may not vote on this poll

2006-01-27, 11:38 PM	#32
john69 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 5	Tuners ATSC/NTSC Hi, I'm confused about the different support for ATSC and NTSC tuner specs. I live in Vancouver BC Canada and we are "late adopters" in terms of broadcasting companies. Currently, afaik, only CTV is broadcasting ATSC HDTV. I have a single antenna and I need a tuner that accept both NTSC and ATSC and scale appropriately depending on the signal. For instance, the Samsung SIR-T165 mentions ATSC/NTSC as inputs, does that mean it they are separate inputs? The SIR-451 model does not mention NTSC on the samsung site: http://www.samsung.com/Products/Digi...pecifications# but I have heard that it does. Bassically, I need a scaler that will tune into both NTSC and ATSC, what are my options? Thank you very much!

2006-01-28, 10:42 AM	#33
jft436 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Toronto/Thornhill Posts: 250	Tuners I read you request and I am not quite sure this is the specific answer to your question. Most people receive their HD signal from Expresvu, Star Choice, or cable in all instances you required a special digital receiver which is supplied or bought from the provider. Many of the new TV have a built in ATSC tuner that will receive OTA signal HD and encode them. I do not know what OTA signals are avaialble in Vancouver BC but it would be advisable to a google search for your area OTA HD to see what stations broadcast in HD. Many of the stations here in Toronto where on cable and sattelite with their HD signal and not providing an ota signal. This is now fixed and the major canadain providers provide OTA Getting American channels you may be limited by signal strength/ On the back of the newer HD sets you connect the HD signal into a port that accepts HD signal only This could be done by color component Super video or by the newer HDMI connect.The HDMI cables sell for $100.00 or more at the present time. You need a HD tv set to receive a HD signal the newer ones are sold with build in ATSC tunes. To me this would be the better way to go than purchasing a seperate tuner.

2006-01-28, 01:42 PM	#35
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,302	Maybe you should look in the OTA forums then. __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2006-01-31, 08:28 PM	#38
Kevin S Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgeway, Ontario Posts: 295	Atsc, Ntsc, Qam I have read the definitions in the FAQ, but they don't explain the differences... What do NTSC and QAM do that ATSC does not? My Hitachi has an ATSC tuner built in, and a cable card slot (not yet available here in Canada though). Is the Cable card slot the QAM tuner? I get all my local channels through my ATSC tuner - what would NTSC do?

2006-01-30, 11:40 PM	#36
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	The information you folks need is available in abundance here in the OTA Forum. You'll also find clarifications/corrections on the points you've discussed.

2006-01-31, 07:42 PM	#37
Kevin S Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgeway, Ontario Posts: 295	I think its great, and probably THE main reason I picked the TV I did. As ironic as it may sound (having just bought an HDTV), I do not watch a lot of TV. I cancelled my cable months ago because I was paying $50/mo for nothing. I haven't missed it. Since I bought this TV, I installed an antenna on the deck and get about 20 channels OTA (including a few that are off of my disconnected cable), which is ALL the major networks. $140 inventment in antenna etc, and I now have free TV - and as mentioned, only more channels will be added over time. I very breifly considered satellite and digital cable, but I am glad I went this route and saved the $75/mo

2006-01-31, 08:51 PM	#39
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	NTSC = original analog North American OTA TV broadcasting standard, 480 interlaced visual lines, will be phased out within the next 10 years ATSC = digital OTA TV broadcasting standard, invented in late 1990s, capable of delivering either 480 progressive, 720 progressive, or 1080 interlaced visual lines with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio QAM = digital Cable TV broadcasting standard with capabilities similar to ATSC Your NTSC tuner will get you all the analog stations your antenna can pull in. Your ATSC tuner will get you all the digital stations your antenna can pull in. It remains to be seen what becomes of Cable Card technology in Canada if you are a cable subscriber.

2006-01-31, 09:05 PM	#40
Kevin S Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgeway, Ontario Posts: 295	Thanks for the info! I gathered that QAM was for cable, but was unsure on the difference of the other two. So NTSC is obviously what TVs have come with for the last 50 years (surprised they didn't just call it DTSC rather than ATSC). I guess I have both QAM and ATSC in my 42HDT52. If the cable card technology ever evolves here, I would be interested in using that...

2006-01-31, 09:52 PM	#41
morkys Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Rogers Cable Posts: 383	Hey folks. What is the easiest and fastest way to HDTV OTA for me? Any suggestions for receivers? ATSC or NTSC (what?) Also, do I need an antenna on my roof? I know every area is different, but what do you figure my options are? I am in the burbs of Ajax. thanx P.S. Not likely I can get it setup for Sunday Superbowl?

2006-01-31, 10:18 PM	#42
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,302	See also the Digital Home FAQ "Can I get Digital Cable" __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2006-01-31, 10:24 PM	#43
Kevin S Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgeway, Ontario Posts: 295	Thanks 57 - out of luck for now as you posted there, but hopefully it will catch on in the future here.

2006-01-31, 11:26 PM	#44
Kevin S Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgeway, Ontario Posts: 295	If you TV doesn't have a built in ATSC tuner you will need to buy one. Sure you can get it set up before SB - I did mine in a matter of a couple hours last weekend. I mounted it on a 20' mast off my deck since I didn't want to poke holes in the roof. Cost me about $140 total for 75' RG6 cable, UHF antenna, 2x10' masts. My TV has a built in tuner so I didn't have to buy that. With your location you may be out of luck for much OTA reception without a very good antenna. WKBW (SB carrier) may be near impossible from that range, but others can advise further. Here is a map of the local digital broadcasting stations: http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/bigmap.htm You can use indoor or attic mounted antennas, but from what I have read here it will kill half your reception. I am sure others can give more info, but hope this helps a bit.

2006-02-01, 12:42 PM	#45
morkys Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Rogers Cable Posts: 383	Thanx for the info. Bummer. I will look into it a little bit further. According to the map, I am less than 25 miles (<40 KM) from the CN Tower transmitter. Perhaps it is worth a try. Its a lot of trouble to go through though. Any advice in terms of what equipment I would need and from where? I have a projector that is HD, but no tuner, no receiver, and no antenna! (yet...lol) P.S. I have not even checked with the costs for Rogers Digital Cable/HDTV to know the difference, so perhaps I will look into that too.

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